Celebrate Paddling ADK

Water, water, everywhere!

When a town has ‘lake’ in its name, it better give off an awesome paddling vibe. Saranac Lake doesn’t disappoint.

To help you get on the water when the paddling season unofficially kicks off, several outfitters and organizations in the Saranac Lake region have teamed up to offer a variety of paddling-related activities and events each June. Celebrate Paddling ADK is a month-long festival that was started in 2016 through a partnership between Adirondack Lakes and Trails, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, and Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The goal was to provide a month-long event that featured lectures and historical discussions at local establishments, a river cleanup, and paddling activities on nearby waters. In 2018, the event grew even larger through the efforts of new partners, including Mac's Canoe Livery and Raquette River Outfitters. Other Celebrate Paddling events in the Adirondacks will also be held in Tupper Lake and Long Lake, courtesy of Raquette River Outfitters.

Saranac Lake, and much of the Adirondacks, has "right out your backdoor" paddling abundance. You can begin and end your day on the water right from downtown. Lake Flower is the show piece in the middle of town, and connects to the Saranac Chain. It is a daily reminder how connected you are to the water.

For a taste of what Celebrate Paddling ADK typically entails, check out the lineup.

2022 schedule of events

Please check back regularly as events and activities are subject to change! The Celebrate Paddling ADK website is also updated with the most current events.

Saturday, June 4

9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday Morning Canoes
A fun alternative to Saturday morning cartoons. Bring your kids to the Lake Flower Boat Launch from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. to play canoe games with their friends, facilitated by our qualified instructors. While they play, you can enjoy some coffee or tea in the park. Adult attendance is required. $50 per child (includes boat). Advance registration required by Tuesday, May 31.
Register with: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com

Tuesday, June 7

6 p.m. - 8ish
Tuesday Night Kayak Tours
Looking for someone to go paddling with? Join us every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. as we enjoy an evening kayak tour on one of our favorite local waterways. Each week will be a different location and group size is limited so reserve your place now. $60 per person. Minimum of 4 participants for this trip to run.
Book online here or contact Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters with any questions.
Register with: Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters
518-891-74520 or info@adirondackoutfitters.com

Sunday, June 12

12 to 5 p.m.
Saranac River Clean-Up
Give back to the environment. Volunteer by spending a day cleaning up the Saranac River. Gloves, trash bags, boats and gear provided. This event is done in collaboration with the DEC, American Rivers Clean-up®, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Wiley's Flies, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Pre-registration required. Meet at Dorsey Street Parking Lot. Free event.
Register with: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com

Wednesday, June 15

1- 3 p.m.
Loon Interpretation Paddle: Middle Pond
Join the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for a paddle on Middle Pond, focused on learning about loon behavior. Advance registration is required (at least 24 hours in advance) as is a donation of $35/person to the ADK Loon Center. Participants must provide their own boat and paddling gear. Binoculars recommended, as well as water and a snack. If you need a boat, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters is offering discounted rentals for this event.
Register with: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation

Tuesday, June 14

Friday, June 17 - Monday, June 20

Time varies
Adirondack Paddling Symposium
Paddling instructional symposium with tracks for kayak, canoe, pack boat, and SUP. This multi-day event caters to beginner and intermediate paddlers looking to build stronger skills. Adirondack Paddling Symposium includes some meals, evening events, and morning yoga sessions. $300 for the weekend, bring your own boat (or rent).
Register here or contact with questions
518-524-4117 or info@adkpaddlingsymposium.com

Saturday, June 18

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Naturalist Paddle: Floodwood Pond & Fish Creek
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun morning of paddling as we explore the Floodwood area looking for wildlife. We will meet at Floodwood Outpost before heading out on Floodwood Pond to paddle down beautiful Fish Creek. Bring your own lunch, snack, and water. Cost: $65 per person (bring your own boat), or use our rental canoe -- add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Tuesday, June 14.
Register with: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com

Sunday, June 19

Noon to 3 p.m.
Raquette River Clean-Up
Meet at Raquette River Outfitters between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Canoes, PFDs, paddles, and trash bags will be provided. This is a fun family activity and you'll be helping keep the beautiful Raquette River pristine!
Register with: Raquette River Outfitters
518-359-3228 or info@raquetteriveroutfitters.com

Monday, June 20

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Family Canoe Games
Playing is a great way for families with children to learn paddling skills. Using a game-oriented approach, we teach the basic paddling maneuvers on flat water. Our Family Canoe Games are appropriate for children ages 8 to 16 years of age, and one or both parents. Bring a snack and water. Location in Saranac Lake to be determined closer to the date. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), or use our rental canoe -- add $20 per person. Advance registration required by Thursday, June 16.
Register with: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com

Tuesday, June 21

Saturday, June 25

10 a.m. - noon
Loon Interpretation Paddle: Lake Colby
Join the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for a paddle on Lake Colby, focused on learning about Loon Behavior. Advance registration is required (at least 24 hours in advance) as is a donation of $35/person to the ADK Loon Center. Participants must provide their own boat and paddling gear. Binoculars recommended, as well as water and a snack. If you need a boat, St Regis Canoe Outfitters is offering discounted rental for this event.
Register with: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation

Saturday, June 25

Time TBA
Tupper Lake 8-Miler
Race starts at the Town of Tupper Lake Boat Launch on Lake Simond Road and goes to the Route 30 bridge and then goes up the Raquette River to the Oxbow and returns to the Boat Launch. Distance: 8 milers. A NYPRA Points Race for canoes and kayaks.
Register here: Tupper Lake 8-Miler

Sunday, June 26

Riverfront Park (DEC Boat Launch), all day with registration starting at 9 a.m.
Celebrate Paddling Invitational
The Celebrate Paddling Invitational is the culmination of Celebrate Paddling month in the Adirondacks, held this year on Sunday, June 26, at Riverfront Park in downtown Saranac Lake. This family-friendly Adirondack paddling event has something for everyone, including races for all ages and abilities, boat demos from local Adirondack outfitters and information from boat builders — there’s also a chance to buy or sell your used boat or paddling gear.
More information & registration: Celebrate Paddling Invitational

Wednesday, June 29

Noon to 4 p.m.
Guided Trip: Second Pond to Lower Locks
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun afternoon of paddling we explore the plants and wildlife along the route. Bring your own lunch, snack, and water. Meet at State Bridge (Saranac Islands Campground/Second Pond boat launch). Cost: $60 per person (bring your own boat), or use our rental canoe -- add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Saturday, June 26.
Register with: St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com